Nurul Asyiqin Binti Kamarulrizal (2230072)

To survive, we need water because it is necessary for an excellent health. Our body will work
properly if every cell, tissue and organ contain water. It is necessary to have water so that we can
maintain body health and dispose of waste in the body like urination. If you use more fluid than you
take in, it will cause dehydration and your body can’t perform its normal function. Your body will get
dehydrated if you don’t replace lost fluids. The signs that our body needs water don’t always have to
be thirst. Given that, most people don’t feel thirsty until their body is dehydrated. Therefore, It is
essential for you to raise your fluid intake during hot weather or when you’re ill.

Dehydration can cause crucial complications, including:

> Heat injury

You may end up with a heatstroke if you are dehydrated when you’re exercising and sweating.

This can lead to mild heat cramps and heat exhaustion or severe heat stroke.

> Urinary and kidney problems

If you keep experiencing dehydration, it can trigger bladder infection and kidney failure.

> Seizures
Electrical signals can be carried from cell to cell by using electrolytes such as potassium and sodium.

The common electrical massage can become disordered if your electrolytes are unbalanced. This can
cause unintentional muscle movement and unconsciousness.

> Low blood volume shock (hypovolaemic shock)

This is one of the top serious because sometimes it can lead to life-endangering and dehydration-
related issues.

A drop in blood pressure and a drop in the amount of oxygen in your body can happen because of
low blood volume.

Drink and eat

Drinking a lot of water and eating foods such as fruits and vegetables can prevent dehydration.
Letting thirst be your guide is an appropriate daily standard for healthy people. Thirst isn’t always a
sign of dehydration because you already can be in a state of dehydration before you feel thirsty.

Studies show a lot of suggestions on how much water do you need to drink every day. Health,
liveliness and environment are the factors for the amount of water your body needs. To reach your
fluid needs, you don’t have to rely on water.

Your meals are also one of the factors. Fruits and vegetables like watermelon and spinach have 100%
water by weight. Furthermore, beverages like milk, juice, and herbal tea are mostly water.
Other than that, caffeinated drinks also can increase your water intake but need to be careful with
high-sugar drinks. It carries a lot of added sugar that provides more calories than needed. In general,
20% of daily water intake comes from food.

Treatment by replacement
Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes is the best treatment for dehydration but it also depends on
your age severity of dehydration and its cause. Diarrhoea, vomiting and fever are mild to moderate
dehydration that can be cured by drinking a lot of water. Take note that juice and soft drinks can
make your diarrhoea worse.

You need to drink cool water if you work or exercise in hot or humid weather. Sports drinks may also
be helpful as it contains electrolytes and carbohydrates. People who are critically dehydrated should
be managed by first responders who arrive in an ambulance or in an emergency room. IV injection
that contains salts and fluids absorbed quickly and speed recovery. - By Laurel Kelly/Mayo Clinic
News Network/Tribune News Service.

https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/health/2023/10/28/thirst-is-not-a-good-indicator-of-
dehydration